He was here for the St. George/Tompkinsville/Stapleton community when governmental and corporate muckamucks tried to stick us with a NASCAR racetrack on the local waterfront: "We'll be damned if you will," he convinced a public hearing.

He supplemented the dole from the mother church with income from the loveliest gift shop on Staten Island, which he founded.

He rebuilt a burned-out church by keeping hold of the congregation that supports it.

His best friend dies. His mom dies. He saw them through. He raised us up.

If you think your ledgers are short, why not take it our of his pension? Or pass the hat to people who believe in him? Why prosecute a man who has served us for years?

Even if the church's allegations are accurate, whatever happened regarding our commitment to forgive?

Taking surplices in Manhattan who condoned this, you bring the High church low.